March 2025

Students and Families of Central Kitsap School District,

Dual credit classes let high school students earn both high school and college credits at the same time. This can be done by taking a college-level class or earning a qualifying exam score. Studies show that students who take dual credit classes are more likely to graduate on time, go to college, stay in college, or start a career right after high school. These classes also count towards Washington’s credit requirements for graduation and give students a taste of college-level work. Even if students don't earn college credit, taking these classes can boost their confidence, introduce them to new careers, and offer more class choices.

Washington state requires schools to have an academic acceleration policy to make sure that capable students are challenged and encouraged to take tougher classes, such as dual credit. Central Kitsap’s policy can be found here. Students can choose not to follow this policy if it does not fit their High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP). However, dual credit programs offer many ways for students to advance their academic and career goals.

Washington state has six dual credit programs. The college preparatory programs with exams are Advanced Placement, Cambridge International, and International Baccalaureate. The class-based dual credit programs are Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit, College in the High School, and Running Start. Although not a traditional dual credit program, Open Doors Youth Re-engagement also helps students who are not expected to graduate by age 21 to earn college credit. Central Kitsap High Schools offers the dual credit programs described below. To see specific courses offered at your child’s school, you will need to review the course catalog.

All dual credit classes are marked on the high school transcript, even if the student does not apply to earn college credit with the partnering college. Students must request and submit official college transcripts for earned college credit(s) to be transferred to colleges they apply. More information on each program can be found on the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Dual Credit Programs webpage.

Supporting districts to maximize students’ access to dual credit classes is a top priority for our state’s lawmakers and OSPI. Most of Washington’s dual credit programs are offered at little to no cost to students as part of their public education experience. Financial assistance opportunities for each dual credit program are included in the table below.

Central Kitsap recognizes the value of dual credit programs and the importance of ensuring equitable access to these opportunities. We encourage interested students to work closely with their school counselors to find the best options for their academic and career goals.

Sincerely,

Jeni Zapatka
Director of Curriculum and Instruction and CTE